Article Title

Authors

Faculty Advisor

Charles M. Rubert Pérez

Abstract

Intermolecular forces, such as H-bonding, ionic interactions and metal chelation between small molecules, can lead to the assembly of higher-order supramolecular nanostructures. A metal chelator, 2-(Pyridin-2-yl) pyridine-5-carboxylic Acid (a bipyridine derivative), is expected to aid in the formation of supramolecular structures as part of amphiphilic molecules that self-assemble in solution in the presence of metal ions. The bipyridine ligand currently under synthesis can be prepared through a five-step synthesis scheme. The second reaction of this synthesis (the coupling of two pyridine rings) resulted in a combination of the desired 1,2,5-isomer, as well as an unforeseen 1,2,3-isomer. Future research will therefore examine how this reaction can be improved, or circumnavigated altogether, so as to maximize the yield of the 1,2,5-configuration. Once properly synthesized, the bipyridine will be incorporated into an amphiphilic scaffold and assessed for its ability to form supramolecular polymers in the presence of various divalent metal cations.